Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) served his district very little outside of having a good time until his occasional bedmate Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) convinced him to get involved in the Soviet attack on Afghanistan beginning in 1980. He saw firsthand that the Afghans were being forced to fight America’s Cold War, so he finds a gruff CIA agent (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to help him orchestrate the means that allow America to operate the covert war and becomes an unlikely hero.

CRITIQUE

World politics has the potential to provide cinema with material that is dramatic and has a scope rare in other types of stories. Most immediately associated with the 1950’s and ‘60s, the Cold War was still a factor into the 1980s, and this film familiarizes viewers with a little-known piece of that history. Sharply written, Charlie Wilson’s War entertains with a captivating story and a wealth of talent in front of and behind the screen.

Writer Aaron Sorkin, the mind behind the successful television series The West Wing, crafted the screenplay based on a book by George Crile, and the plot is nothing if not interesting throughout. A ceremony honoring Wilson, huge American flag in the background, bookends the film and the opening scene establishes the Congressman’s penchant for racy living. The nudity in this scene is a bit off-putting and it jars at first to see Hanks in the middle of a scene like this. The narrative, however, is preserved in this sequence because Wilson is preoccupied by Dan Rather’s report from Afghanistan which is airing on a nearby television.

Furthermore, snappy dialogue follows frequently, especially as Hoffman’s character tells off his boss and as Wilson meets with Afghan leaders and realizes the full extent of their opinion of America. Anyone with a heart will cheer as Wilson succeeds in appropriating the money and supplies needed to oust the Soviet Union, probably without even seeing the moment he visit’s the refugee camps and sees the Afghan children maimed by toy bombs.

This empathy that Wilson exhibits is assuredly presented in the form of Hanks. His trademark likeability makes palatable Wilson’s flaws and solidly sells his change of heart. Roberts works her natural southern accent as Herring, too, while Hoffman is superb and funny, as usual. These three stars are more than enough to hang a film on, but the other cast members succeed too.

Most notable is Amy Adams, recently triumphing in Enchanted, as Wilson’s administrative assistant. You can see that she sees in him from the beginning what we only see as the film progresses. Nichols wisely just lets this all play for us, simply and effectively (after a nifty title sequence). Charlie Wilson’s War has polished, accomplished writing, acting, and directing and is truly entertaining.

THE VIDEO

Widescreen format is by now ubiquitous and, as I always say, the best for home viewing. The transfer for this disc is also pristine.

THE AUDIO

English tracks in Dolby Digital 5.1 are the usual and a great format, but the French and Spanish language tracks on this disc are also in the Dolby Digital 5.1. An excellent feature. There are also subtitles for all three languages provided.

THE EXTRAS

The Making of Charlie Wilson’s War: This is the usual behind-the-scenes doc, but still a good watch. Interviews with the cast, director, and writer fill the viewer in mostly on what it was like to work with each other. Best may be the brief bits with the real-life Wilson and Herring.

Who is Charlie Wilson?: Speaking of, this excellent extra focuses on the real man at the center of this true story, with plenty from Wilson and Herring. The interviews with Wilson at the time he was doing all the things in the film are a nice touch and his genuineness truly impresses.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Charlie Wilson’s War has intelligence in story and direction, and also has a terrific cast. The patriotism of the film is another appeal. Many adult viewers will not regret going ahead and buying this film, and the couple of good extras included on the DVD add value. Nearly everyone will enjoy this film, so at least rent Charlie Wilson’s War.